Third Sunday in Lent, Communion and First Sunday 10:00 AM
*Indicates please stand in body or in spirit
PRELUDE MUSIC Kayla Noble
WELCOME Rev. Dr Jill Sanders
REMEMBRANCE OF BAPTISM
*SONG OF PRAYER AND PRAISE “Come Thou Fount of Ev’ry Blessing”
*CALL TO WORSHIP Betty Cichy-Anderson
Inspired by Psalm 19
One: If you ask the sky who God is,
Many: the sky will tell you of God’s reach.
One: If you ask the day who God is,
Many: the sun will tell you of God’s warmth.
One: If you ask the night who God is,
Many: the moon will tell you of God’s comfort.
One: “The heavens are telling the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). Are you listening?
Many: We are listening! We will sing of God’s glory. Let us worship Holy God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Betty
One: Please join me in the responsive prayer of confession
One: Holy God, Some days, we are quick to declare your goodness. Like Peter, we see you in our midst and we are confident in our faith. Other days, we are distracted and uncertain, desperate for answers. Many: Forgive us for losing sight of you.
One: Some days we are quick to trust your blessings—
Many: trusting that we are called, that we can make a difference.
One: Other days, our praise falls silent and doubt creeps in.
Many: Forgive us for losing sight of ourselves.
One: We know that fear and doubt are part of the journey of faith. But for the days when we are far from you and far from ourselves, we ask for your tender grace.
Many: Pull us closer toward you. Remind us of the mountaintop moments of our faith. Amen.
*PASSING THE PEACE Betty
PROCLAMATION IN WORD
MOMENT WITH THE YOUNGER CHURCH Pastor Jill
Jesus Loves Me Blk #327
The reading from the Psalms: Psalm 19 Betty
To the leader. A Psalm of David.
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them;
and nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
THE READING FROM GOSPEL: Matthew 16:13-20 Pastor Jill
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.
18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
SERMON Rev. Dr. Jill Sanders
Wandering Heart: Praise the Mount
PROCLAMATION IN SACRAMENT
INVITATION
BREAKING THE BREAD AND SHARING THE CUP:
We will sing, There is Room at the Table followed by In Christ Alone during communion
THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Eternal God, we give you thanks for these means of grace given so freely to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit to love, serve, and give ourselves for others. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
RESPONSE
SONG: Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying
PRAYERS FOR OUR WORLD, OUR COMMUNITY, AND EACH OTHER
(Please use the form of address for God that you choose. Some might choose a name for God that comforts them—and others might choose a name that challenges them or deepens their understanding of God.)
PRAYER OF OUR SAVIOR (ecumenical version)
Eternal Spirit, Earth-maker, Pain-bearer, Life-giver,
Source of all that is and that shall be,
Father and Mother of us all,
Loving God, in whom is heaven:
The hallowing of your name echo through the universe!
The way of your justice be followed by the peoples of the world!
Your heavenly will be done by all created beings!
Your commonwealth of peace and freedom sustain our hope and come on earth.
With the bread we need for today, feed us.
In the hurts we absorb from one another, forgive us.
In times of temptation and test, strengthen us.
From trials too great to endure, spare us.
From the grip of all that is evil, free us.
For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and for ever.
Amen.
– The New Zealand Book of Prayer
INVITATION TO GIVE
THE OFFERING
OFFERING SONG: Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly
THE PRAYER OF DEDICATION
*SONG Raise a Hallelujah!
SENDING
*BLESSING AND SENDING FORTH Pastor Jill
Beloved wanderer,
as you leave this place,
may you carry your curious heart on your sleeve.
May you look for God in every face.
May you find the courage to get out of the boat,
to run to the tomb,
and to speak of your faith.
And when the world falls apart,
may you hear God’s voice deep within,
saying, “Take heart, it is I, be not afraid.”
You are called.
You are blessed.
In both your ups and your downs,
you always belong to God.
Go now in peace.
Go trusting that good news.
Amen.
POSTLUDE Kayla Noble
| The Call to Worship, Confession and Affirmation of Faith is from Sanctified Art Wandering Heart Words for Worship and used with permission. The Sermon slide is Who Do You Say That I Am? by Lauren Wright Pittman and is from the Sanctified Art devotional. The Prayer of our Savior is from the New Zealand prayer book. |
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| We welcome all who are joining us for worship virtually, on YouTube, http://tiny.cc/firstcongo or Cable Channel #181 (each weekday). Our service is broadcast on KXRA 1490 AM at 11 am the second Sunday of the month. |
NEWS IN THE PEWS: SUNDAY March 3, 2024
The Weekly Calendar
Sunday March 3 Communion, First Sunday
10:00 Worship in person and online
11:00 Coffee Fellowship
Monday March 4
10:00 “Caffeinated Christianity” @ Dunn Bros.
Tuesday March 5
8-5 VITA Tax preparation WCMCA
Wednesday March 6
8-5 VITA Tax preparation WCMCA
5:15 Lenten dinner and program
Thursday March 7
9:00 Walking group @Church or Mall
12:00 Women’s Fellowship and Board mtg @ 11 am
4:30 Holy Happy Hour
5:15 Choir rehearsal
Sunday March 10 KXRA Radio Sunday
9:15 Choir
10:00 Worship in person and online
11: 00 Coffee Fellowship
Communion Sunday
All are welcome at God’s table. We celebrate open communion (everyone invited), and for today’s Communion, we will invite everyone to come forward to receive the sacrament. Those who wish may be served in their pew.
Pastor Jill’s Office Hours
Pastor Jill is available throughout the week for pastoral care, conversation, or coffee! She is typically in the office on Tuesday mornings—and other times as well. It is always best to schedule a time if you want to talk. She can be reached directly at jill@firstcongregationaluccalex.com or (319) 361-0737. Shetypically takes Fridays off.
Wandering Hearts Devotionals
There are devotionals at the back of the sanctuary. If you want one printed and put in your mailbox, let the office know.
Virtual Giving Options: Online and Text
Check out our updated website: firstcongregationaluccalex.com.
Click on the word “Give” at the top of the screen. You can also text (844)987-4483 to give to our general fund. Please contact the office if you need help setting up your giving account online using our software provider, Churchtrac.
Direct Thrivent Choice Dollars by March 31
Eligible Thrivent Financial members who have available Choice Dollars have until March 31, 2022, to direct them. Don’t miss this opportunity to recommend that Thrivent Financial provide funding to your church! Go to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice to learn more. Or call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” after the prompt.
VITA Tax Preparation
West Central Minnesota Community Action’s Volunteer Income Tax Preparation will meet here starting on Tuesday. They will be here Tuesdays and Wednesdays, each week, until Tax Day. To make an appointment or to find out more about the program call 320-304-3458.
Lilly Grant
Applications for 2025 are due March 13, 2024.
We are in the final stages of putting our application together. Contact Jill or the office for questions or comments.
CUE
Our conference-wide conference offering is for Chicago United and Eden seminaries. We will be collecting for the rest of the month. Please use the CUE envelope and/or put CUE in your check memo.
Bountiful Basket
through March 31 we will be collecting for the Douglas County Food shelf. All non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, diapers and monetary donations accepted.
Lenten Dinner Series
Once again we will be having a Lenten Dinner discussion series. Our first meeting is Feb 21 at 5:15 pm. We will have a light meal that we share. The program begins at 6 pm. The video series is written and produced by Amy-Jill Levine and is called “Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week.” Discussions will be led by Pastor Jill, Joy Wrolson and Marc Blakesley. For those who want to delve deeper there is a book by the same name that you can purchase. You are welcome to come at any time and stay for as long as you can.
Women’s Fellowship
Our first meeting of the 2024 year will be on Thursday, March 7 at Noon. The format will be the same as last fall. Bring your own bag lunch and coffee and a treat will be provided by Evelyn Henrickson, Glenda Richardson, and MaryJo Hochsprung. Marcie Watson will share a devotion. The program will be a representative of Habitat for Humanity’s Restore and the Aging in Place Program. This year’s program is based on “Be The Church.” The board will meet at 11 am.
Choir Rehearsal
Choir will have rehearsal on Thursdays, beginning Feb 22 at 5:15pm each week. This is a temporary change during Lent. All are welcome to join. If you cannot attend every rehearsal, you can still be part of the choir.
Help out with Worship
There are sign ups at the back of the church for January-March. If you are able to greet, usher, or read, help serve coffee or clean up after Fellowship, please sign up there.
First Sunday Music Worship Team
Do you like to sing, do you play an instrument? Do you want to join the First Sunday Music worship team. See Kayla or contact the church office for more information.
Child Care Needed:
On the first and fifth Sundays we need volunteers for nursery/child care. Kris Sundberg is available for some of the dates. Please sign up or contact the office to indicate your availability.
Upcoming Birthdays and Anniversaries
Gary Zavadil 03/10
Randy Hansen 03/11
Kate LeBrasseur 03/14
Marilyn Johnson 03/15
Phil Midtvedt 03/15
If the office has missed your birthday or anniversary, please contact us.
Community Events
Free Easter Food Basket
If you live in Douglas County and need help with purchasing an Easter meal for you and your family, The Salvation Army of Douglas County (in partnership with Eldens, the Outreach Foodshelf, and Pratt Packaging) can help! Register at the website: https://www.databae.com/outreach-food-shelf/ if you don’t have online access call 651-746-3507 to register. Distribution will be on Thursday March 28 from 4-6 pm. The Easter food box distribution site will be at the Outreach Food shelf. You must be pre-registered to receive a food box. Limited quantities. One box per household. Registration opens Friday March 1.
Habitat Restore community-wide pick up
The Greater Alexandria Area Association of REALTORS will be picking up donations for the ReStore on March 15. Donations accepted: appliances, building materials, cabinets, countertops, furniture, lighting and more. Call 320-335-0794 to schedule a pick-up. Sign ups will be taken until March 12.
Beginning Experience of Central Minnesota
A weekend away for a lifetime of change: April 5-7 2024
The loss of a loved one through separation, divorce or death is one of life’s most traumatic experiences. Beginning Experience Retreat is an international program that helps facilitate the grief resolution process for those who have suffered such a loss and frees them to again love themselves, others and God. This is accomplished by offering time-tested and copyrighted grief resolution programs presented by trained peers. Founded by a Catholic nun and rooted in the Christian tradition, the ministry’s open, ecumenical spirit serves those of all faiths. Beginning Experience of Central Minnesota is just one of over sixty teams serving communities across the United States. To register or get more information, call: 320-319-8863
We are an inclusive community that welcomes extravagantly, seeks God and follows Jesus into the world.
We are also a member of the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ and honor the dignity of each person created in God’s image. All are welcome here.
